What is Shrink Wrap?

Introduction to Shrink Wrap Packaging

Many sectors incorporate shrink plastic in their packaging activities, due to the versatility of this material and its multiple applications. However, there are many unknowns about its characteristics, its recycling process or the main types of films using in shrink wrap.

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What is Shrink Plastic?

Shrink wrap is a versatile polymeric material use for packaging finished products. Heat is applied to the film by a shrink machine, which catalyzes the film to shrink tightly around the item placed inside. This process results in a durable protective barrier around the product.

So how exactly does this happen? The science of shrink wrapping explains in terms of molecular behaviour. When heating the film, the structureless regions of the chains straighten and align in the orientation direction. More simply, molecules reorient themselves from their initial random pattern to eventually fit the mold of their content.

When properly cooling, the molecular characteristics of the film are established, so it remains in this stretched state until enough heat energy is applied to cause the molecular chains to shrink back to their original shape.

What is Shrink Wrap for?

To protect and secure products in all types of manufacturing, warehousing and distribution environments. Its versatility makes it the preferred packaging format for many current industries.
Depending on the type of product, a specific type of film is chosen. For example, it is possible to find shrink plastic for bottles, although the function is the same.

What are Characteristics of Shrink Wrap?

One of the most appreciated characteristics of this material is its shrinking versatility. Shrink film is available in a variety of types, thicknesses, transparencies, strengths, and shrink ratios, which can be used alone or in combination to create just the right type of lamination and protection for a product.

These options and constructions have been expanded over time, to accommodate specific requirements for sealability, optics, toughness, slip, temperature, strength, and memory, properties that are valued when choosing the type of shrink wrap.

What are the Types of Shrink Wrap Films?

There are three main types of films used in shrink wrapping: polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin, and polyethylene. Each of these materials has different capabilities and characteristics that make it suitable for specific applications. Additionally, each can be extruded into multilayer films with different additives, to create different barriers that promote shelf life or a particular appearance. Shrink films can be formed into rolls, bags, wraps, bands, and flattened tubes, and can add a form of tamper-evident protection to packaged goods.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Film

Given its lightweight nature, low cost, and multipurpose capabilities, PVC was once the most widely used shrink packaging material in the world. In its rigid form, PVC is durable and is used in applications such as construction projects and household items. In terms of packaging, PVC applies to both rigid (blister and clamshell packaging) and flexible constructions.

Polyolefin Shrink Film (POF)

Polyolefin shrink film is extremely durable and versatile, making it a high-end option. It has replaced PVC in many applications and is a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved food-safe material. POF materials are available with different characteristics.

The cross-linked film also prevents buildup on machinery sealing components. Due to the added strength of POF, longer rolls of film can be created with thinner gauges. This reduces roll change and increases both efficiency and productivity. POF shrink film has excellent puncture and seal resistance, helping to protect irregularly shaped items throughout the supply chain lifecycle.

Polyethylene Packaging Film

Polyethylene (PE) is used in various forms of flexible protective packaging, including shrink film and stretch film, with very different performance for each modality. The three most common forms of polyethylene packaging film include high-density, low-density, and linear low-density polyethylene.

What Should We Take into Account to Choose the Type of Shrink Wrap?

Some of the basic considerations prior to selecting the type of shrink plastic are:
1. What type of product is being packaged.
2. The weight, shape and dimensions of the product.
3. Color targets and labeling.
4. How the product will be packed in the flexible film (manually or by machine, and what type of machine).
5. The product journey from creation to shipment.
6. If it will be manipulated frequently.
7. The types of climates.

In short, shrink plastic is a magnificent packaging option that stands out from other alternatives, not only because of its low cost or the versatility of the application process, but also because of the high recyclability of the films used in this area. For more details, please feel free to contact us.

POF Shrink Film Product Photo and Video

POF Shrink Film Manufacturer Supplier Factory

POF polyolefin shrink film manufacturer, Filmnpack, is a high standards heat shrink packaging material product supplier in China. As a leading polyolefin POF packaging film supplier, we have 10 advanced blown film production lines with an annual output of up to 16,000 tons. We’re dedicated to offering a wide range of high quality polyolefin POF plastic shrink films to meet the diverse needs of buyers’ bulk purchase. All our polyolefin film products have been quality certified by international standards to ensure stable and reliable quality. Additionally, we focus on competitive prices, giving you great value for money with our cost-effective polyolefin POF products.